Shawnee Preservation Society has its hands full trying to regulate environmental impact

Wednesday

Jul 29, 2009 at 12:01 AMJul 29, 2009 at 4:38 PM

Founded in 2005 by a group of concerned neighbors, the Shawnee Preservation Society seeks to safeguard the area's natural beauty, endangered species and historic features. One of its primary goals is to urge authorities to require a more reasonable approach to growth and development, in an environmentally responsible manner that is also responsive to the interests of residents.

SUSAN JORSTAD

Founded in 2005 by a group of concerned neighbors, the Shawnee Preservation Society seeks to safeguard the area's natural beauty, endangered species and historic features. One of its primary goals is to urge authorities to require a more reasonable approach to growth and development, in an environmentally responsible manner that is also responsive to the interests of residents.

Among the non-profit group's accomplishments are: participation in the creation of the township Environmental Advisory Council, successfully advocating for the institution of an updated township ordinance Act 167) that requires 150-foot buffers and establishment of Shawnee Hollow Historical Association.

SPS also brought about the formation of Shawnee Creek Watershed Conservancy. Classified as a High-Quality Cold Water Fishery, the conservancy's aim is to monitor the creek, as well as Shawnee Pond, Shawnee Lake and Sun Mountain Lake, to try and maintain that classification.

"When SPS first formed, there was a lot of participation and involvement," said president Martha Carbone. "I think there may be a perception that it's a done deal, that there's no longer a need."

SPS is an appellate in a pending lawsuit regarding the 1,500-plus Shawnee Valley Planned Residential Development PRD); the crux of the adjudication is that PRD, originally approved in 1988, is not subject to current ordinances.

The initial suit was dropped; this is an appeal of the 2007 Smithfield Township Tentative Plan.

In court, Monroe County President Judge Ronald Vican ruled and found for the township. He said SPS' appeal was frivolous, but SPS raised several issues that it feels Vican did not consider in his ruling, so it's still in settlement negotiations.

"It's up to us to remain vigilant in our mission," said founding member Holly Cadwallerder-Ratzin, noting that the organization's No. 1 focus is education and advocacy on behalf of residents in Smithfield and surrounding townships, particularly regarding growth.

"We've demonstrated the need for public participation and input, and helped people to feel empowered, where before they didn't realize they had a voice," said Cadwallerder-Ratzin. "We've had the chance to grow the community of folks willing to come out to meetings) and not be afraid to go on public record, to not be afraid to serve on committees."

The grass-roots organization acts as a kind of clearing house for local residents and attempts to steer people to the appropriate agency when contacted with concerns. SPS keeps abreast of issues in Smithfield and Middle Smithfield townships that could potentially have a negative impact on the area — such as road problems or repairs, land issues and land preservation — and stays in contact with municipal leaders.

"We continue to work for preservation of Mosier's Knob and for a possible expansion of the Cherry Valley NWR into the Shawnee Valley area," said Cadwallerder-Ratzin.

SPS has also maintained a presence at the PPL hearings for the Susquehanna-Roseland power line project, which would extend through both residential and national park areas in Pike County. In lieu of super-sizing an outdated powergrid, Cadwallerder-Ratzin and Carbone favor a micro-grid concept, which is more sustainable.

"You lose energy the greater the distance over which) you ship the power along a line," said Carbone. "Pennsylvania won't benefit from this."

"PPL is using legislation created for other purposes) to get taxbreaks to transmit power through Pennsylvania and sell it at five times their cost in New York and Jersey ... and they do it with a smile and big cookies," said Cadwallerder-Ratzin, poking fun at the very cordial forums PPL has conducted throughout the region.

SPS sponsors several now-annual fun and educational events in the Shawnee area, including a Chili Cook-Off in late winter, the Earth Day picnic in April, an autumn canoe race on the Delaware River and a holiday tree-lighting in December.

New members are always welcome. Yearly membership is $15.

"We'd like to expand on our efforts, but our hands are full," said Carbone. "We need ongoing membership and involvement, and it's fun. We have fun doing it; we've made a lot of friendships."

Anyone interested in helping with fundraising, watershed protection, historic preservation or general volunteering may contact Carbone via e-mail at info@shawneepreservationsociety.com or by calling 570) 236-1321.

The SPS annual membership meeting, open to all, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, in Worthington Hall houses Shawnee Playhouse) in Shawnee-on-Delaware.